Chelsea Dealt Injury Blow as Jadon Sancho Ruled Out of UEFA Europa Conference League Clash
Chelsea face an injury setback ahead of their UEFA Europa Conference League match, with forward Jadon Sancho ruled out of the upcoming clash against Armenian side FC Noah. The Blues who are looking to maintain their perfect record in the competition will play their third group stage match on Thursday, November 7.
Sancho, who joined Chelsea on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy for £25 million made an impressive start to life at Stamford Bridge. However, the 24-year-old has been absent from recent fixtures with his last appearance coming in the game against Liverpool on October 20.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca provided an update on Sancho’s condition during his pre-match press conference ahead of Thursday’s game. He confirmed that the forward will miss the match against FC Noah due to injury but could potentially return for the weekend fixture. Speaking on the situation, Maresca said (via Fabrizio Romano):
“For sure Jadon Sancho will be out again tomorrow. We will see if he can be available for Sunday against Arsenal. If not, after the international break.”
Sancho was also absent in Chelsea’s previous UEFA Europa Conference League match against FC Panathinaikos, with Maresca explaining that the absence was due to tactical reasons. He has also missed recent games in the Premier League and Carabao Cup, and was ineligible to feature against his parent club, Manchester United.
So far, Sancho has provided three assists in five Premier League appearances for Chelsea this season. However, he has yet to make an appearance in the Conference League, despite being included in the squad for the competition.
Chelsea Coach Provides Update on Cole Palmer’s Injury
In addition to Sancho’s absence, Chelsea are monitoring the fitness of star forward Cole Palmer, who suffered an injury during their match against Manchester United. The 22-year-old was on the receiving end of a tough tackle by Lisandro Martínez in the closing moments of the game at Old Trafford, causing him to leave the stadium limping.
Maresca was critical of the challenge immediately after the match, expressing frustration that Martínez was not sent off. Speaking ahead of Thursday’s game, Maresca also provided an update on Palmer’s injury status. Chelsea left Palmer out of their UEFA Europa Conference League group stage squad to give him time to focus on recovery.
The England international will be eager to return to full fitness for the weekend match against Arsenal, especially after Chelsea’s 5-0 defeat to the Gunners last season during his absence.
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